I came to Zhengzhou just over 13 months ago. I was in for many surprises those first two months that I was here. I've traveled a lot. Almost 30 countries in my five plus decades. I've spent extended times in Russia, Italy, Australia and the Caribbean. I know how to travel and how to adapt to a place.
I've had good and bad experiences during those 13 months. I've dealt directly with people trying to cheat me out of money that I legitimately earned. After having been here less than two months, one was successful in doing so, but, she wasn't Chinese.
I had an accident on my e-bike when a man pulled out in front of me. The only thing that was damaged was a picture frame that over extended his e-bike. I hit it and broke it . I gave him 50 quai and made him feel that he was in the right and went on. No big deal.
Also, a young man knocked on my apartment door at 6:

My experience has been great here in Zhengzhou. I had a successful life in the U.S.A., before coming here. But I've learned a lot about myself, people, life and more having come here.
I think my experience here has been successful because, I chose for it to be. Life is truly about attitude. Many years ago, a man told me that you can get up every Monday and say, 'Oh my God, its Monday. Another week of pure hell.' Or, you can get up every Monday and say, 'Thank God it's Monday. Another week of great people, great experiences and great living.' Whichever of these you choose, you will experience that week.
I don't spend my time with negative people. I say I don't judge them, but, I guess I do. Enough to decide that I don't want to be around them. I hear a lot of expats talking about all the negative things they find wrong with China. My thinking is, we all know what is negative about China (or the U.S.A., or any other place you go), so why make it worse by talking about it?
I have a deep intention in my heart and mind. I intend to be happy. The choice and responsibility is mine. I can be happy or I can focus on, talk about and experience the negative things about life. Teaching in China is great. I get to affect children and adult's lives. I get to touch their lives in a way that no one else can.

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Michael Murphy- -
Mo Wen-Long
8 10, 12 02:20
posted by: Stephen
Thanks for your very interesting post - Pity we couldn't jam together - I left ZZ just before you arrived. Hope to see you when I return. Stephen